Final answer:
The practice of santhara or sallekhana is controversial because it involves a voluntary and intentional ending of one's life through fasting, raising ethical questions regarding the right to die and the value of human life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of santhara or sallekhana is controversial because it involves a voluntary and intentional ending of one's life through fasting. This practice is upheld by some members of the Jain religion as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. However, it is highly debated and controversial because it raises ethical questions regarding the right to die, the value of human life, and the potential harm it may cause to vulnerable individuals.